Lubrication and protection of internal mucous membranes, emollient, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nutritive

Tea, tincture, dried and powdered inner bark

Slippery elm’s main use is soothing and lubricating the digestive tract for treating diarrhea, enteritis, colitis and irritation of the stomach. It can also help treat constipation by lubricating the mucous membranes allowing for relaxation. In the throat, it can help ease painful cough or kennel cough, and improve swallowing.

Slippery elm also contains many vitamins and minerals, making it highly nutritious as a food additive.

Slippery elm can also help treat wounds, ulcers, boils or abscesses.

For a nutritional digestive tonic, make a tea by taking 1 teaspoon of dried inner bark and steeping it in 8 ounces of hot water with 1 teaspoon of honey added. Honey can be eliminated if your pet is diabetic or allergic. Most animals will take the tea on its own, however it can also be strained and put over the pets food. Glycerin tincture can also be used at a dose of 1/4-1/2 teaspoon for each 20 pounds of animal’s body weight, 1-2 times daily.

For treating constipation, add 1 teaspoon of organic yogurt to the tea outlined above.

For external wounds, apply a poultice to the skin.

• The outer bark of the slippery elm tree should never be used, as it can cause irritation in the digestive and urinary tracts, and cause abortion in pregnant animals.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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